Groups representing several different cultures performed at Saturday’s celebration of compassion at Cherokee Point Elementary School. | Photo Credit: Megan Burks
By Megan Burks
A Year Later, Dalai Lama Visit Still Inspires, Aired on KPBS News May 20, 2013
[audio:http://speakcityheights.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DALAI-meb-1.mp3]
A consortium of faith and community groups hosted a daylong celebration of compassion Saturday. They were inspired to put on the event after hearing the Dalai Lama speak in San Diego last year.
The Tibetan spiritual leader spoke of compassion without borders in his talks. So when Compassion Connection San Diego decided to host its kickoff event, City Heights was a natural choice.
There were Hawaiian and Thai dancers, and rappers.
Residents sat in on panels about fostering compassion in the immigrant and refugee experience and in school discipline.
 Michelle Bolton | Photo Credit: Megan Burks |
Attendee and City Heights resident Michelle Bolton told the audience the neighborhood’s diversity can sometimes trump her good deeds.
“I live in a building that has seven units and I have Somali, Columbian and Burmese (neighbors),” Bolton said. “The most we really do is say ‘Good morning’ or ‘How are you?’”
Bolton said she’d rather ask her refugee neighbors if there’s anything she can do to help — a sentiment I’m sure would please the spiritual leader.